Momentum For Monday, October 10th 2022

"Look closely at me, Lord, and test me. Judge my deepest thoughts and emotions." (Psalm 26:2)

The next biggest piece of advice regarding emotions besides labeling them, is to actually process your emotions. The saying that you have to, "feel it to heal it" does have some truth to it. This step goes deeper than identification, but actually makes me sense and endure my feelings. And this step, no matter how much I think I've grown or matured, always sucks.

Let me also put a caveat with this. Some people are in their feelings too much and actually let emotions rule their lives. Feeling emotions isn't being moody. This is not what I'm talking about and if you're one of these people (because usually you know that you are), work on creating boundaries on your feelings. This is more for the person who avoids feelings at all costs (which was me). This is not wise whatsoever and you end up paying for that somehow because what we avoid bleeds out in other ways.

King David in the Old Testament is a really good person to observe. That man was a wreck, honestly. He was a leader that fell into lust, adultery, and murder. Yet, God still used him as a good example. If you read the psalms that he wrote, he is very transparent about his emotions. If you have time, read a few and note how he inserts emotion (Psalm 13-16 are a few you can peruse through).

Next, take some time. Settle yourself before bed or in the morning and get quiet. Note your emotions. Also take note of the thoughts that bubble up when you are sifting through emotions. If a hurtful situation comes to mind, maybe there's someone you need to forgive. If a fearful thought comes, submit it to God. Write down what you think and feel. Then take this to God and see what he says.

Just a side note, some seasons I go through a "healing challenge" where I pray over my heart and a situation for a certain period of time. I journal about it specifically and have a friend do it with me for accountability. This helps me to face possible lingering hurt or even deep damage done from hard/tragic portions of my life. I find this to be impactful and a worthwhile activity every time.

"Fire is used to make gold and silver pure, but a person’s heart is made pure by the Lord."

(Proverbs 17:3)